Travel Tip Tuesday: 6 Tips to Surviving Holiday Travel

Happy Tuesday AirPretty travelers! Every Tuesday we offer you some helpful travel tips from our community of travel experts. This week we’re mixing it up a little bit and sharing some tips from our AirPretty staffers!

The holidays are just around the corner, which means so are security lines, delays, and lost luggage. Check out our six tips to surviving holiday travel.

1. Consider more than price when booking flights

We all know holiday travel is expensive, so it’s easy to book the cheapest flight without a second thought. But don’t forget, the holidays also fall right in the middle of travel’s least favorite season.

Heading to a snowy destination? Be prepared for weather delays going in and out. We like to load an extra book or two onto our Kindle just in case.

Connecting somewhere? Make sure you do a little research on your stop-over options. For example, a layover in Minneapolis might be cheaper, but you could save yourself a snowstorm delay by flying through somewhere like Houston or Atlanta.

2. Carry-on

Losing your luggage is never fun, but it hurts a little extra when your holiday outfit or gifts for your loved ones go missing too. Save yourself some last minute shopping trips by keeping your suitcase with you.

3. Don’t pack your coat; wear it

Holiday travel also means having to squeeze your bulky winter wardrobe into your space-limited suitcase. We’ve all had to make the decision between including that cute sweater we got on Black Friday or a second pair of boots… it’s not easy! Therefore, we suggest freeing up some space in your luggage by wearing your coat while traveling. Not only can you pack a few extra items in its place, but you can also use it as a blanket to keep warm in the air.

Only $85 to skip security lines for five years- and you don’t have to take your shoes off or your liquids out of your bag? We’re in! Unfortunately it’s a little too late to sign-up for this holiday season, but you can get a head start on the process for next year.

5. Think about buying a day-pass to your airline’s lounge

Regardless of the reason (a delay, a layover, just getting to the airport early, etc), a long wait in the airport can be one of the worst parts of air travel. Food is pricey, gate seating disappears quickly, and good luck finding an outlet! If you want to make the wait a little more bearable, check out the local airline lounge. Most airlines sell day-passes, which will give you access to buffets, bars, faster wifi, and armchairs. Depending on how stressful your day has been (or will be), it could be worth the splurge.

6. And of course… don’t forget your AirPretty!

It’s easy to be cranky if you’re not feeling your best. Luckily, AirPretty has you covered – make sure you keep yours at the top of your carry-on so you can make sure you’re looking and feeling glamorous through even the longest of delays.

About this week’s Tip Tuesday contributor:Sophia is a Boston native, California transplant, and world traveler. Her mom is a flight attendant, so I guess you could say globetrotting is in her blood! Check out her (self-admittedly neglected) Instagram for photos of her adventures. She’s is also managing the social media accounts for AirPretty – so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Don’t forget to share your tips in the comments below for a chance to be featured as one of our AirPretty Travel Experts on Travel Tip Tuesday! Check back next Tuesday for more helpful travel tips!